A MAN has been sentenced to 56 days in prison under the city's latest crackdown on domestic violence.

Simon Hadley, 31, from Bromford, Birmingham, breached a court order preventing him from going near a woman he subjected to violent abuse dating back to 2000.

Despite failing to secure a criminal conviction police and city council officers had earlier obtained a court injunction preventing him going to the home of his victim.

However, he breached the court order and was arrested, brought before a judge, found to be in contempt of court and jailed.

A further two year injunction has been secured against Hadley preventing him from returning to his victim's street.

The conviction was a result of work from the police, Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and

Birmingham & Solihull Womens Aid, who helped the victim stand up and give evidence against her abuser.

The woman, who cannot be named, said: "I had the confidence knocked out of me. I couldn't look at my neighbours because I was too ashamed. I don't have to live in fear worrying he is going to turn up."

Insp Ian Iliffe said: "This is an excellent example of multi-agency working to achieve a common goal in making our communities feel safer. We are very proud of the victim in being able to give evidence."

David Tatlow, chairman of the City's Domestic Violence Partnership, said: "Where perpetrators ignore court orders placed upon them, a clear message has been sent from the Birmingham Community Safety Part-nership that they will face the consequences."

If anyone would like to speak to a police domestic abuse officer, call 0845 113 5000 for advice or support or contact Women's Aid on 0121 685 8550.